Representative modeling of MXene-based hybrid nanocomposites for catalytic hydrogen evolution reactions: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Hydrogen is considered not only a renewable gas but also an eco-friendly energy source for future applications, and the demand for hydrogen tends to grow increasingly. In addition, various and extensive studies have been conducted to produce eco-friendly hydrogen in various ways in various industries. Representative methods of producing hydrogen include the use of photocatalysts or electrolysis processes, which have presented many technological breakthroughs as stable and active ways to produce hydrogen. As a new material, two-dimensional MXenes have the potential for commercial scale expansion for hydrogen generation owing to their excellent inherent physical and chemical properties and structural flexibility. MXene-based composites have several advantages for hydrogen generation reactions. One of the advantages is the high number of chemically active reaction sites owing to the increased specific surface area. In addition, high catalytic activity is directly related to the high amount of hydrogen produced owing to its excellent optical properties. This study aims to contribute to the design of promising hydrogen generation reactions in the future by comprehensively modeling and discussing the current status of MXene-based composite synthesis methods to investigate the interrelationship between the use of electrocatalyst and photocatalyst, the active characteristics of electrons, and hydrogen production methods. In this review, we describe three categories: methods currently used to manufacture MXene-based composites, properties of composites for HER performance, and hydrogen production methods.